Sauté onion in hot oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat 7 minutes or until onion is tender. Add chicken broth and sage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Cool slightly.
Process broth mixture, sweet potato pieces, pear halves, and salt in a blender, in batches, (or with a handheld blender) until smooth.
Cook mixture in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with Spiced Croutons.